Martial arts are unique in their ranking system – instead of leagues, badges or classes, martial arts, such as karate, use different coloured belts. There are multiple different styles of this martial art which all use slightly different orders of belts in karate, but they are all somewhat similar and the symbolism behind the order of karate belts remains the same. Belts are important in karate for a few reasons; the first reason is that they outline clear visual goals for students to aim for and help them progress in their karate journey. Secondly, the symbolic meaning behind the karate belt colours dates back many years to Japan where the martial art originates from.
The white belt is the first belt in karate. It shows the willingness of a student to endeavour on their karate journey, but also their lack of knowledge and experience of the martial art. It is also thought that the white symbolises a plant emerging from the soil to see the bright white light of a new day – much like a student would see the new knowledge ahead of them when they take up karate.
Most karate schools move onto yellow as the first belt to be earned, as it is representative of how the sun of the new day develops into a warm and yellow colour. As it changes, the little plant stretches up towards the sun just like a student would stretch towards new karate goals.
The orange belt is a sign of strength from a student. They have persisted through the hard training and are continuing to learn and improve themselves – much like the plant that withstood the burning orange sun.
This belt colour is symbolic of growth. The plant has survived the hot sun and began to flourish again, spurting new leaves and roots; similarly, the student has overcome learning new techniques and katas and has started to expand their knowledge of the martial art.
Blue represents the aspiration of the student. They have overcome big hurdles to get to where they are now and yet are continuing to improve and reach for new goals. Imagine a plant continuing to grow towards the blue sky with their newfound strength in the roots.
Purple belt is a big milestone for karateka. It most often is halfway to black belt and is traditionally symbolic of when the sky begins to darken at the end of the day. The deepening of the coloured belts aligns with the deepening of knowledge one has gained through their consistent training.
The meaning of the brown belt in karate is to show that a student has began to reap the rewards of their hard work. It shows that with immense effort is satisfaction and something to gain. This links to the plant analogy – the plant returns to the soil after reaching the sky and reaps the rewards of its nutrients.
The sky has gone dark, and the plant has died, much like the karateka who reach black belt can put the hard training behind them as they have absorbed the knowledge of all other. But the plant knows that the next day will be light again and there will be another journey to endeavour on. Similarly, karateka know that the true journey of the martial art begins after getting their black belt and that there is always more knowledge to gain.
The symbolism of karate belt colours often sparks intrigue. While some may think the colour progression holds deep meaning, the reality is much simpler. Most karate schools use belts primarily to give students clear goals. For example, a student wearing a brown belt knows their next goal is to achieve the black belt. Instructors also use these visual cues to identify the skill level of their students and tailor lessons accordingly. Without this system, lessons would be more confusing, as it would be harder to track which techniques, like kata and kihon (basic techniques), each student needs to prepare for their next exam.
At Simon Coope Karate School (SCKS), we utilize an extended belt system designed to set smaller, more achievable goals for our students, whether they are children or adults. This helps maintain engagement and motivation as students progress through the ranks. The belt system is as follows:
This system includes ‘Mon’ grades, which act as half-grades and serve as checkpoints between full grades. In addition, some clubs use tags, stripes, or tape on belts to signify progress toward the next level, further motivating students and making it easier for instructors to assess skill levels.
On average, it takes about three months to progress from one belt to the next. Most karateka earn their black belts between five to nine years after starting training, although everyone’s karate journey is different. Each belt requires effort, dedication, and commitment, which is tested through formal gradings. At SCKS, students demonstrate their skills in front of a panel of senior instructors, who decide whether they pass or fail. A successful grading culminates in the presentation of the next belt, marking a major achievement. This process is similar in traditional dojos around the world, including Japan.
Karate offers incredible physical and mental benefits, no matter your age. The practice provides:
In addition to the health benefits, karate equips students with practical self-defense skills that can be invaluable in a variety of situations. These skills are especially relevant for personal safety, whether in day-to-day life or more extreme scenarios.
At Simon Coope Karate School, we take pride in helping students of all ages and backgrounds develop not only their martial arts abilities but also their confidence and discipline. Many of our students have progressed to achieve their black belts, with some moving on to teaching or leadership roles. Others have found karate to be a powerful tool for improving their physical health, mental resilience, and personal growth.
Whether you’re looking to start your karate journey as a beginner or are an experienced martial artist seeking to refine your skills, Simon Coope Karate School offers the perfect environment for your development. We provide expert-led classes rooted in the traditional Wado-Ryu style, where our experienced instructors guide students in a supportive, motivating setting. Our emphasis on discipline, respect, and personal growth makes our school an excellent choice for those serious about mastering karate.
Explore more about the benefits of karate on our Why Join Karate page.
Discover how karate fosters discipline, confidence, and physical fitness in children, while also teaching them valuable life skills
Karate belts serve as a visual representation of a student’s progress and skill level. They provide clear goals for students to work toward, motivate them to improve, and help instructors track each student’s development in the syllabus.
Each belt colour is said to symbolise different stages of growth and knowledge, with origins in traditional Japanese beliefs. For instance, the white belt represents a beginner’s pure and empty mind, while the black belt symbolises mastery of the art. However, much of the belt symbolism also comes from myths and legends, and the order can vary depending on the school.
On average, it takes around three months to progress from one belt to the next. However, each student’s karate journey is different, and progress depends on their dedication and skill development.
Simon Coope Karate School offers children’s karate classes at several convenient locations, including:
With multiple venues, it’s easy to find a class near you that suits your schedule. Book a free karate trial now!
myMA Website by
